U.S. patent application number 11/385598 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for baffled roll vent.
This patent application is currently assigned to BUILDING MATERIALS INVESTMENT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Adem Chich, Edward C. Villela.
Application Number | 20060229010 11/385598 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324111 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060229010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Villela; Edward C. ; et
al. |
October 12, 2006 |
Baffled roll vent
Abstract
A baffled roll vent for covering the ridge slot of a roof for
allowing ventilation from the space of a building below the ridge
slot, the baffled roll vent having a first vent section having a
male part and a second vent section having a female part, wherein
the male part of the first vent section attaches to the female part
of the second vent section. The male and female parts are
preferably located at opposite edges of each vent section, allowing
each vent section in the baffled roll vent to attach to the next
vent section in the baffled roll vent. A center hinge allows
flexing of the panel to conform to the pitch of a roof.
Inventors: |
Villela; Edward C.; (Leonia,
NJ) ; Chich; Adem; (Kearny, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Attn: William J. Davis, Esq.;GAF MATERIALS CORPORATION
Legal Department, Building No. 8-2
1361 Alps Road
Wayne
NJ
07470
US
|
Assignee: |
BUILDING MATERIALS INVESTMENT
CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
46324111 |
Appl. No.: |
11/385598 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11069127 |
Mar 1, 2005 |
|
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11385598 |
Mar 21, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/365 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/365 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20060101
F24F007/02 |
Claims
1. A baffled roll vent for covering a roof ridge slot, comprising:
a first vent section having a male part; and a second vent section
having a female part; wherein the male part of the first vent
section attaches to the female part of the second vent section.
2. The baffled roll vent of claim 1, wherein the first and second
vent sections are defined by a length and a width.
3. The baffled roll vent of claim 2, wherein the width is between
five inches to fifteen inches.
4. The baffled roll vent of claim 2, wherein the width is between
seven inches to thirteen inches.
5. The baffled roll vent of claim 2, wherein the width is between
eight inches to twelve inches.
6. The baffled roll vent of claim 1, wherein the baffled roll vent
is made from injection molding polymeric material.
7. The baffled roll vent of claim 6, wherein the polymeric material
is selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic
rubber, polyester, polystyrene, polyethylene, high impact styrene
and copolymers and blends thereof.
8. The baffled roll vent of claim 1, wherein the baffled roll vent
can be rolled into a spiral configuration.
9. The baffled roll vent of claim 1, wherein the male part is
located on an edge of the first vent section and the female part is
located on an edge of the second vent section.
10. The baffled roll vent of claim 1, further comprising: a female
part on the first vent section; and a male part on the second vent
section.
11. The baffled roll vent of claim 10, wherein the male part on the
first vent section is located on an edge of the first vent section
and the female part on the first vent section is located at an
opposite edge of the first vent section.
12. The baffled roll vent of claim 11, wherein the male part on the
second vent section is located on an edge of the second vent
section and the female part on the second vent section is located
at an opposite edge of the second vent section.
13. The baffled roll vent of claim 10, wherein the female part of
the first vent section attaches to a male part of a third vent
section, and the male part of the second vent section attaches to a
female part of a fourth vent section.
14. The baffled roll vent of claim 13, wherein the first, second,
third and fourth vent sections make up the baffled roll vent and
can be rolled into a spiral configuration.
15. The baffled roll vent of claim 1, further comprising: a second
male part on the first vent section; and a second female part on
the second vent section; wherein the first and second male parts of
the first vent section attach to the first and second female parts
of the second vent section, respectively.
16. The baffled roll vent of claim 1, wherein the first vent
section and the second vent section each have a center hinge.
17. The baffled roll vent of claim 16, wherein the vent sections
flex at its center hinge.
18. The baffled roll vent of claim 1, wherein the male part is a
male interlock peg and the female part is a female interlock
receptacle adapted to receive the male interlock peg.
19. The baffled roll vent of claim 1, wherein the male part
protrudes from the first vent section and the female part is an
opening adapted to receive the male part.
20. A method of installing a baffled roll vent for covering the
ridge of a roof having an opening therein, the method comprising
the steps of: a) providing a baffled roll vent comprising two or
more vent sections, each vent section having one or more male
part(s) and one or more female part(s), the male part(s) of one
vent section being attached to the female part(s) of a next vent
section in the baffled roll vent; b) positioning the baffled roll
vent in a spirally-rolled configuration onto an end of a roof
ridge; and c) detaching one vent section from the next vent section
by detaching the one or more male part(s) of the one vent section
from the one or more female part(s) of the next vent section.
21. The method of installing a baffled roll vent for covering the
ridge of a roof having an opening therein of claim 20, the method
further comprising the steps of: after step (b), (d) uncoiling the
baffled roll vent to cover a roof ridge slot located at the roof
ridge; (e) adjusting the uncoiled baffled roll vent so that a
center hinge of the baffled roll vent is substantially at the ridge
of the roof; (f) flexing the baffled roll vent at the center hinge
to conform with the slope of the roof; and, after step (c), (g)
fixing the baffled roll vent to the sloped roof.
22. The method of installing a baffled roll vent for covering the
ridge of a roof having an opening therein of claim 20, wherein the
one or more male part(s) of each vent section are located at one
edge of each vent section and the one or more female part(s) are
located at an opposite edge of each vent section.
23. The method of installing a baffled roll vent for covering the
ridge of a roof having an opening therein of claim 20, wherein the
male part is a male interlock peg and the female part is a female
interlock receptacle adapted to receive the male interlock peg.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/069,127, filed Mar. 1, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to vents for covering an
opening at a peak of a roof. More particularly, the invention
relates to baffled roll vents comprised of a unitary panel capable
of rolling into a coil configuration prior to installation, and
capable of unfolding to lay flat on the roof ridge at
installation.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Vents for attics of residential or commercial buildings are
commonly perforated or have baffled openings in the underside of
the eaves of an overhanging roof or fascia and on the roof ridge
overlaying the open roof along the length of the roof. The vent
openings allow air to flow into the attic to equalize the interior
attic temperature and pressure with that of the outside
environment. The equalization helps to control attic temperature
and reduces the accumulation of condensation in the attic thereby
increasing the efficiency of heating and cooling of the living
space in the building covered by the roof structure.
[0006] A roof ridge ventilator overlays a roof ridge slot along the
length of the roof. The roof ventilator is for exhausting air from
the space below the roof and above the floor of the attic.
[0007] Ventilation systems should provide against insects and other
unwanted elements entering the attic space of buildings. While
larger perforations in soffit and roof ridge ventilation panels
produce a desired flow of air through the attic space, they also
allow ingress to insects. In addition to having good ventilation of
the attic space and preventing ingress of water, snow and insects
into the attic space, ventilation systems should have structural
strength and stability to withstand the effects of the elements,
including high wind; strong structural support against collapse or
warping, such as might occur by the accumulation of snow or ice or
by weight of the installers accidentally stepping on the roof ridge
ventilator; ease of installation; and low costs.
[0008] The present invention is directed to roof ridge vents that
preferably are used in conjunction with an adequate soffit
ventilator of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a baffled roll
vent is provided that is manufactured from flexible polymer
compounds. The vent is spirally rollable for easy handling and
installation. The baffled roll vent is for covering the ridge of a
roof having an opening therein or ridge slot providing for the flow
of air from the space below the roof ridge to the outside
environment while preventing entry of water and other unwanted
elements.
[0010] The ridge vent preferably comprises a unitary plastic panel
that is disposed over the ridge of the roof covering the ridge slot
as well as overlapping portions of the roof shingles adjacent to
the ridge slot. The plastic panel may not be integrally unitary but
instead may comprise substantially fluid tight hinges connecting
partitions into a unitary piece.
[0011] The panel is flexible and can be contoured to roofs having
from 0 degree to 45 degree slope at the peak or more. The panel can
be contoured at a center line where a hinge is incorporated. Also a
hinge may be incorporated at two parallel lines spaced from the
central point line running longitudinally of the panel. These
hinges provide flexibility in the panel. The panel has a topside or
surface facing the exterior and an opposite, underside or surface
facing the attic space. The underside is reinforced by supports
spaced throughout the length of the panel. Preferably, the
underside also comprises rain baffles, also called weather blocks,
located at points where precipitation or particulate may enter the
ridge slot.
[0012] The vent of the present invention comprises a unitary panel
defined by a length and width. The vent preferably has projections
located at the length sides that can be joined to another
succeeding length. The width terminates at external baffles at
either end of the width. A center hinge located substantially at
the topside and preferably integral with the panel divides the
panel longitudinally. The center hinge is preferably embossed onto
the unitary panel.
[0013] Louver portions at the width ends can comprise rows of slots
and slats running parallel to each other in transverse direction to
the length of the partition. However, the louvers can be in a
parallel direction to the length of the partition or in any other
configuration that provides for the desired ventilation. The louver
portions are discrete and independent to each partition defined by
side baffle walls and an external baffle.
[0014] At the underside, located substantially at the internal end
of the louver portion and on or adjacent to the side baffle walls,
can be rain baffles. These rain baffles substantially prevent
precipitation and particulate from infiltrating the vent. The
underside also comprises multiple supports to reinforce the vent.
The supports preferably have a nail boss for driving a nail
through. Every number of supports, the number of which is
predetermined prior to manufacture, preferably has a support peg
and no nail boss. The nail boss can be adapted for use with a nail
gun and can be countersunk from the topside.
[0015] Further, a baffled roll vent for covering a roof ridge slot
is provided, the baffled roll vent comprising a first vent section
having a male part and a second vent section having a female part,
wherein the male part of the first vent section attaches to the
female part of the second vent section.
[0016] The installation of the baffled roll vent comprises the
steps of placing the spirally rolled baffled roll vent on the ridge
of a roof with a ridge slot, uncoiling the baffled roll vent over
the ridge slot, adjusting the position of the baffled roll vent so
that the center hinge is substantially centered over the ridge
slot, flexing from the center hinge the baffled roll vent downward
so that side edges of the baffled roll vent substantially conform
to the roof slope and tiles or shingles adjacent to the ridge slot,
and fixing the baffled roll vent to the roof. Preferably, the vent
is fixed by nailing through the nail bosses of the underside
supports.
[0017] To completely cover the ridge slot at the peak of the roof,
additional baffled roll vents can be used as needed and placed
end-to-end with the previously installed baffled roll vent. The
baffled roll vent preferably can be cut with known cutting
implements to any desired length.
[0018] At the beginning and end of each panel, are weather flaps
and melt tabs for aligning and joining the panel with a succeeding
section.
[0019] Additionally, the baffled roll vent can be installed by
placing a fibrous mat along the roof ridge parallel with the ridge
slot so that the lower portion of the baffled roll vent covers the
fibrous mat. The use of the fibrous mat prevents small particles
from entering into the attic space through the slots of the louver.
The fibrous mat can also be integrated with the baffled roll vent
by known methods. Another method of installing the baffled roll
vent for covering the ridge of a roof is provided, the method
comprising providing a baffled roll vent comprising two or more
vent sections, each vent section having one or more male part(s)
and one or more female part(s), the male part(s) of one vent
section being attached to the female part(s) of a next vent section
in the baffled roll vent, positioning the baffled roll vent in a
spirally-rolled configuration onto an end of a roof ridge, and
detaching one vent section from the next vent section by detaching
the one or more male part(s) of the one vent section from the one
or more female part(s) of the next vent section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baffled spirally rolled
vent embodying the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the baffled roll vent in a
straight, unrolled configuration;
[0022] FIG. 3a is a top plan view of the baffled roll vent in a
straight, unrolled configuration;
[0023] FIG. 3b is an underside plan view of the baffled roll vent
in a straight, unrolled configuration;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the baffled roll vent in a
straight, unrolled configuration;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a second underside plan view of the baffled roll
vent as a single panel in a straight unrolled configuration;
[0026] FIGS. 6a-6d are detailed underside plan views of embodiments
of the baffled roll vent;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the baffled roll vent
installed on a roof ridge; and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of
the baffled roll vent and an end cap installed on the roof
ridge;
[0028] FIG. 9 is an isolated view of the baffled roll vent adapted
for use with a nail gun;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the
baffled roll vent of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the baffled roll vent;
and
[0031] FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the baffled roll vent.
[0032] FIG. 13 is an underside plan view of a vent section of the
baffled roll vent in a straight unrolled configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the baffled roll vent of the
present invention, generally designated by the numeral 100, in a
spirally-rolled configuration made from a water proof, flexible
material, preferably of polymers that include, but are not limited
to, natural and synthetic rubbers, polyester, polystyrene,
polyethylene, high impact styrene and copolymers and/or blends
thereof.
[0034] In FIGS. 1 and 2 the baffled roll vent 100 comprises a
topside 60 and an underside 80. The vent preferably comprises a
unitary panel 82. The panel comprises a center hinge 70 that is
preferably soft and located at or near the topside 60 but can be
located substantially at the underside 80. The hinge 70 offers
resistance that provides for bending pressure easily produced by a
user to effectively bend the vent to coincide with the slope of the
roof. However, the hinge 70 substantially retains its memory so
that upon release of the external force they substantially return
to their original shape or configuration. The center hinge 70 is
preferably embossed onto the topside 60 of the panel.
[0035] As best seen in FIG. 2, each panel is preferably of an
elongated rectangular configuration defined by length 72, width 74,
and height 76 from underside 80 to topside 60. The size of the
length 72 is preferably from about 2 feet to 20 feet, and most
preferably from about 4 feet to 5 feet, while the width 74 is from
about 5 inches to 15 inches, preferably 7 inches to 13 inches, and
most preferably from 8 inches to 12 inches. The length 72
terminates at length end edges 84. The width 74 terminates at
discrete and independent louver portions 370 comprising an external
baffle 260 and side baffles 320.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the length edges 84 can be butt
welded or molded together in succeeding sections or the panels may
be indexed in a continuous operation to form preferably 5 feet to
40 feet continuous lengths and most preferably 20-25 foot lengths.
These lengths are spirally rolled for packaging and shipping. FIG.
2 additionally shows the length end edges 84 with melt tabs 114.
The length end edge 84 comprises the edge of the unitary panel 82
as well as an end barrier 116 that depends downward from the
unitary panel 82. The end barrier 116 is broken or split the length
of its height at the center hinge 70, to provide flexibility and
coverage when fixing the vent to the slope of the roof. The end
barrier 116 substantially prevents precipitation and particulate
from getting under the vent from the length ends.
[0037] The louver portions 370 are each discrete from the other and
comprise side baffles 320, the external baffle 260, and slats 380.
The width of the louver portion 370 is preferably about 1 inch to 4
inches, and most preferably about 2-3 inches measured from end
baffle 260 to the end of the slats 380. The length is preferably
about 0.25'' to 3'', and most preferably about 1'' to 2'' measured
from side baffle to side baffle. The side baffles 320 have a height
of preferably about 0.5 inches to 2 inches or equal to the height
of the partition 120.
[0038] The louver portion 370 preferably can have tapered side
baffles 320 and external baffle 260 that gradually decrease in
width from the topside 60 towards the underside 80 to help
facilitate removal from molds during manufacturing if the vent is
molded.
[0039] The slats 380 of the louver portion 370 preferably extend
from side baffle to side baffle and are provided from the underside
80 to the topside 60 at an angle of preferably about 15.degree. to
95.degree., and most preferably about 30.degree. to 45.degree.. The
slats 380 provide for the ventilation of gases and moisture from
below the roof ridge.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the underside 80 of FIG. 4. FIG. 5
shows the underside 80 of the baffled roll vent panel that faces
the ridge slot and space below the vent. Multiple supports 90 are
used to prevent sagging or collapse of the vent and provide for
adequate air circulation from the ridge slot to the outside
environment. These supports 90 are preferably "I" or "Y" shaped
braces but are not limited to such shapes. Every several support 90
can have a nail boss 92 at its end closest to the louver portion
370, which is a passage through a support from the topside 60 to
the underside 80. The nail boss 92 provides support and housing for
a nail that can be used to fix the vent to a roof. The nail may be
preinserted into the nail boss 92 from the topside 60 prior to
installation. Pegs 94 may also be placed on a support 90 for
additional support. Pegs 94 may further act as rain baffles for
blocking rain and other elements from entering under the roll
vent.
[0041] The nail boss 92 may also be adapted to receive a nail from
a nail gun as shown in FIG. 9. This embodiment can provide for a
countersunk or recessed nail hole at the topside 60. Preferably,
the recessed area substantially conforms to accept the base (where
the nail exits the gun) of most commercially available nail guns.
Also preferably, the recessed area has a tapered side that provides
for the base of the nail gun to slide into the area. Opposite the
tapered side is a substantially vertical wall that stops the
sliding of the nail gun and aligns the base at the intended
position on the vent. Beneath the recessed area is the nail boss,
which in this embodiment is preferably reinforced compared to a
non-nail gun embodiment. The reinforcement provides for crush
resistance and nail support.
[0042] The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 shows the recessed area as
thickened section of the unitary panel. This can be accomplished by
molding a recessed area onto the unitary panel rather than
incorporating the recessed area directly into the unitary panel.
This type of thickened nailing zone provides for greater holding
power of cap shingle nails that in turn provides for more securely
attaching the cap shingles to the roof. The thickened plastic area
will offer greater holding strength on the nail shank than the more
thin area of the top unitary panel. There will be more surface area
(thickness) of the top panel on the nail shank which helps to hold
the nail in conjunction with the tip of the nail embedded into the
plywood decking.
[0043] FIG. 5 also shows drain holes 96 that can be placed in the
length end edges 84 providing for drainage of precipitation
accumulating under the vent 100. Preferably, the underside can
comprise weather flaps that provide additional support and edge
closure for when a length is cut to size at installation. To
provide for the desired rolled configuration, the weather flaps can
be straight flaps 100 from the external baffle 200 to the center
hinge 70 opposite left and right cornered flaps 102, 104
respectively. Also, the weather flaps can comprise rain
baffles.
[0044] FIG. 6a shows overlapping rectangular and "L" shaped rain
baffles integral with the side baffle walls. These rain baffles
substantially prevent precipitation and particulates from entering
the ridge slot. Further embodiments of rain baffles are shown in
FIGS. 6b-6d. FIG. 6b shows a single rain baffle 111 blocking the
passage formed between side baffle walls. FIG. 6c shows an "L"
shaped baffle along with a peg baffle 112 that works in conjunction
to substantially prevent the flow of rain. FIG. 6d shows two
overlapping pegs 113. These and other rain baffle embodiments are
made possible in the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the baffled roll vent
installed on a roof ridge. The baffled roll vent 100 is described
in relation to a sloped roof covered with roof tiles 440 and 440'
overlapping each other. The tiles 440, 440' direct the flow of
precipitation from the roof ridge downward. The sloped roof
comprises a ridge board 460 to which the rafters are attached (not
shown); plywood or some other decking or sheathing 480 and 480';
and roof tiles or shingles 440 and 440' laid over the sheathing.
The plywood decking 480, 480' and covering roof tiles 440, 440' do
not completely cover the roof. At the ridge of the roof there is a
ridge slot 500 that serves as an exit for air from the attic space
520 or any space under the ridge slot. The ridge slot 500 defines a
space at the peak of the roof so that the air below can be vented
to the outside. While the ridge slot 500 provides for ventilation
of this space, it also allows entry of rain, snow, insects and
debris to enter into the space. To prevent such entry, the ridge
vent covers the ridge slot 500 and overlaps the plywood deck and
tiles of the roof. The overlap helps ensure that precipitation and
other elements do not enter the attic space. The baffled roll vent
100 is secured to the ridge board and/or roof deck by roofing
nails, adhesives or other appropriate securing means known in the
art.
[0046] The baffled roll vent 100 is preferably used with a mat of
fibrous material 540 and 540' that can be of randomly oriented
synthetic, air-permeable fibers with varying mesh sizes. The
synthetic fibers, such as made by nylon and polyester are randomly
aligned into a web. The thickness of the mat typically is of from
about 0.5 to 3 inches. The air-permeable mat 540, 540' can be cut
into strips the length and width of which is determined by the
length and width of the baffled roll vent for which the strip is
used. The mat 540, 540' can be placed on roof tiles 440 and 440'
and underneath louver portion 370. Alternatively, the mat 540, 540'
may be integrated to the baffled roll vent 100 during manufacture
or post-manufacture by any known method including, but not limited
to, adhesively fixing, using burrs or by hooking the mat with hooks
integral with the baffled roll vent 100.
[0047] The process of installing the baffled roll vent 100 includes
the steps of placing the spirally-rolled vent 100 over the ridge
slot 500 of the roof ridge; uncoiling the baffled roll vent 100 on
the ridge slot 500 of the ridge; flexing the baffled roll vent at a
center hinge to conform to the roof; and fixing the baffled roll
vent 100 to the roof. Nails, screws, hooks, rivets or adhesives or
any other known method can fix the baffled roll vent 100 to the
roof. Further, a fibrous mat 540, 540' can be placed along the roof
ridge adjacent to the ridge slot 500 prior to placing the spirally
rolled vent 100 over the ridge slot 500.
[0048] An end cap 560 can cover the baffled roll vent as shown in
FIG. 8. The end cap 560 is fixed to the roof over the baffled roll
vent 100 with traditional means including, but not limited to,
nails, screws or adhesives.
[0049] In FIG. 10 a side view shows the present-invention with a
raised baffle area 600 relative to the center portion 610 of the
unitary panel. The top perspective view of this embodiment is
depicted in FIG. 11. In this embodiment the louver portions 670
begin at a greater height 676 and extend downwards to be
substantially level with the bottom of the end barrier 616. At the
inside edge 602 of the louver portions 670, the unitary panel 604
slopes downward toward the center of the panel. This creates the
raised baffle area 600 including the, louver portions 670 and the
sloping portion of the unitary panel 604 and a lower center portion
of the unitary panel 610. The panel may have a center hinge
allowing it to flex in conformity to the slope of a roof ridge.
[0050] By creating a lower center portion and raised baffle area
the invention is able to increase the net free area of the vent.
"Net Free Area" or NFA means the cross-sectional area of a
ventilator system which is open for passage of air there through.
This embodiment also provides for better application with a nail
gun. The lower center portion is preferably 5/8 inches in height
providing for a fastener from a nail gun to fully penetrate into
the roofing substrates below the vent.
[0051] The unitary panel 604 extends laterally between the louver
portions 670 and is integral with the external baffle 606. This
creates discreet but semi-independent louver portions substantially
enclosed by the unitary panel 604. The end baffle 606 is preferably
a unitary baffle extending the length of the panel. Side baffles
612 extend downward from the unitary panel 604 between the louver
portions 670 at a length substantially equal to the panel's
height.
[0052] The underside of the invention may be of the embodiment
partially shown in FIG. 12. This figure shows multiple supports 620
extending downward from the unitary panel 604 that may be "I" or
"Y" shaped but are not limited to such shapes. These supports may
have nail holes but in this embodiment they do not. Instead, this
embodiment has independent support pegs 622 that may act as a nail
boss. The independent support pegs 622 also can act as weather
blocks. The multiple supports 620 do not extend to the louver
portion 670 and generally end at or within the sloping portion.
[0053] The side baffles 612 are shown in FIG. 12 depending from the
unitary panel 604 and fixed to the slats 624 of the louver portions
670. Also shown in FIG. 12 are connecting means for connecting a
series of vent panels to each other.
[0054] FIG. 13 is another type of plan view of an underside 80 of a
baffled roll vent 100 of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a
vent section 750 of the baffled roll vent panel 100. Several vent
sections 750 can make up the entire baffled roll vent 100. Similar
to FIG. 5, multiple supports 90 can be used to prevent sagging or
collapse of the vent and provide for adequate air circulation from
the ridge slot to the outside environment, and can be "I" or "Y"
shaped braces but are not limited to such shapes. Every several
support 90 can have a nail boss 92 at its end closest to the louver
portion 370, which is a passage through a support from the topside
60 to the underside 80. The nail boss 92 provides support and
housing for a nail that can be used to fix the vent to a roof. The
nail may be preinserted into the nail boss 92 from the topside 60
prior to installation. Pegs 94 may also be placed on a support 90
for additional support. Pegs 94 may further act as rain baffles for
blocking rain and other elements from entering under the roll
vent.
[0055] Further, FIG. 13 shows a male interlock part 700 located on
an edge 720 of vent section 750 and a female interlock part 710
located at an edge 730 of vent section 750. Preferably, as seen in
FIG. 13, two male interlock parts 700 are used on an upper side of
edge 720 and two male interlock parts 700 are used on a lower side
of edge 720. Similarly, two female interlock parts 710 are used on
an upper side of edge 730 and two female interlock parts 710 are
used on a lower side of edge 730. These male and female interlock
parts 700 and 710, respectively, are each placed substantially in
the same location with respect to the width 74 on opposite edges
720 and 730 of vent section 750.
[0056] Preferably, male interlock parts 700 protrude from the edge
720 of vent section 750, and female interlock parts 710 are cut
into or built into the edge 730 of vent section 750. As shown, the
male interlock parts 700 are t-shaped and of a peg structure, and
the female parts 710 are shaped as receptacles, but they are not
limited to such structures. The shape of the male interlock parts
700 can be t-shaped, peg shaped, oval shaped, square shaped, round
shaped, and the female interlock parts 710 will have a structure
corresponding to or accommodating the male interlock parts 700,
such as appropriate openings or receptacles. Any other type of
geometry known for male-female connectors can be used and is not
limited to the above. The shape of the male and female interlock
parts are also designed so that it is easy to separate the vent
sections 750 from each other, as well as to attach the vent
sections 750 to each other.
[0057] In this manner, when each separate vent section 750 is
rolled to form the baffled roll vent 100, the male interlock parts
700 of one vent section 750 line up with the female interlock parts
710 of another vent section 750, and lock together in place to keep
the baffled roll vent 100 together.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 13, four male interlock parts 700 are used
and four female interlock parts 710 are used. However, one male and
female structure may be used, and more than four male and female
structures may be used on each vent section 750, depending on the
width 74 of the vent panel and the stability required. However many
are used, they are preferably placed in a substantially equal
interval on the edges 720 and 730 along the width 74 of the vent
section 750.
[0059] More male interlock parts 700 and corresponding female
interlock parts 710 can be used to provide more stability, with
consideration given to cost, design, ease of manufacture and
installation, etc. Such a structure of a baffled roll vent 100
provides a baffled roll vent that does not have to be cut or
separated by the manufacturer or installer, but can be attached
and/or broken into separate vent sections 750. No tools or cutting
equipment are required.
[0060] Accordingly, it should be readily appreciated that the
device and method of the present invention has many practical
applications. Additionally, although the preferred embodiments have
been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled
in the art that various modifications can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of this invention. Such modifications are
to be considered as included in the following claims.
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